The role of patients' understanding of the pathophysiology in improving their symptoms in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A cohort study.

Introduction: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) can present with a variety of oral mucosal symptoms such as burning, discomfort, xerostomia, dysgeusia, involving part or all of the mouth and lips but without visible lesions. This study assesses the patients' understanding of the pathophysiology of their condition and that influence on their outcome.

Material And Methods: A single-center, observational, retrospective study was conducted. 136 patients diagnosed with BMS between February 2019 and September 2023 were recruited with follow-up in October 2023.

Results: Patients' understanding of their diagnosis and symptom improvement were statistically associated in both univariate (OR 7.25; CI 2.26-32.5) and multivariate analyses (OR 4.94; CI 1.31-24.6). A significant association was also found between a shorter history of symptoms and improvement.

Conclusion: A patient's understanding of their condition appears to benefit their outcome.